Himachal Pradesh tourism boasts numerous picturesque tourist destinations which comprise of heritage tourism, religious tourism, wildlife tourism, eco-tourism, lakes tourism, adventure tourism, sports tourism, fair and festival tourism, trek route tourism, and many more. The literal meaning of Himachal Pradesh is the “land of snowy mountains” also known as Deva Bhoomi which means the land of Gods.
This region of Himachal Pradesh was inhabited by the local tribes known as ‘Dasas’ during the ancient time and later on many other clans, tribes and dynasties like Aryans, Mauryan, Kushanas, Guptas, Kannauj rulers assimilated with the Dasas of Himachal Pradesh. The history of Himachal Pradesh is the history of war and conflicts because of its geographical importance shares its borders with Jammu & Kashmir on North, Punjab on West and South-West, Haryana on South, Uttar Pradesh on South-East and China on the East.
Tourist Attractions of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh, the land of enchanting part of the Indian Himalayas and the magical showcase of nature’s splendors offers numerous tourist destinations to the tourist coming from all over the world. Some of the major tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh are The Ridge and The Mall and Kufri in Shimla, Kalpa and Baspa Valley in Kinnaur, Sangla Valley on the right bank of Baspa river, Tabo in Lahaul Spiti, Pin Valley, Lingti Valley, Kunzum Pass, Ki, Kie or Key Monastery, Keylong, Gondhla, Tandi, Suketi Fossil Park, Khoksar, Rakchham, Nako, Kaza, Kibbar Village, Baralacha La, Kullu, Manali, Manikaran, Vashisht, Pangi Valley, Manimahesh, Killar, Kasauli, Timber Trail Parwanoo, Kaushalia stream, Bhakra Dam, Mandi, Kangra, Yol Camp, Dharamsala, Mcleod Ganj, Kangra Fort etc.
Adventure tourism of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is regarded as adventure’s paradise with several spots for adventure tourism. Some of the famous adventure tourism of Himachal Pradesh along with their destinations are Angling in Sarvari, Parbati, Sainj, Hurla, Sutlej, Ravi, Tirthan, Sainj, Uhl, Baspa, Pabar, Lambadug, Giri, Rana, Nugal Gai, Baner, Bata, etc.; Camping at Sarchu in Lahaul, at Sangla and Kalpa in Kinnaur, at Dalhousie and Kullu-Manali; the famous spots for Golfing adventure tour of Himachal Pradesh are Naldera, Shimla etc.
Para Gliding at the bald peak of Billing above the Buddhist Monastery of Bir in Kangra, Bundla Dhar near Bilaspur, kullu valley and Intkali in the Pabbar valley; River Rafting in Chandrabhaga (Chenab) in Lahaul, the Satluj near Shimla, the Ravi near Chamba and the Beas near Kullu; Rock Climbing on the greatest mountain range of Himalayas; Skiing in the Himalayas, Kufri, the Mahasu ridge Narkanda, Manali, Solang etc.; Trekking in Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, Shimla region and the Kullu valley and Vehicle Safari along the Trans Himalayan tracts.